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The Latter Days in the Old Testament

Eschatology precedes soteriology. Find out why in this essay.

Two Ages: Evaluating a Biblical concept

If the cosmos has changed over time, as redemptive history has moved from through “five worlds” from creation (Genesis 1–2) to the new creation (Revelation 21–22), then there have also been covenantal changes, too. In the beginning, God made a covenant with Adam (Gen. 2:15–17; cf. Hos. 6:7), which is often called the “covenant of works.” Then, after the flood, God re-established a covenant with Noah and all creation. As Genesis 9:8–17 reports, God hung his bow in the sky as

Getting Into Macro-Eschatology: Seeing The Five Worlds God Has Made

Last Sunday I introduced something I called “macro-eschatology.” Macro-eschatology is an approach to redemptive history that sees the end of things (eschatology) as fulfilling, restoring, and superseding the beginning of things (protology). At the center of this approach to reading the Bible is the person and the work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who stands at the center of God’s plan to unite all things in creation. As Ephesians 1:9–10 tell us, Christ is the one who will

The ABCs of Eschatology (Pt 2): 14 More Key words

Last time, I introduced fourteen key words for understanding some basic concepts in the study of last things (eschatology). Today, I will complete my basic glossary with fourteen more terms, in hopes that these definitions will help improve present and future discussions about eschatology. You can also listen to the Sunday School that explains many of these terms. And if you would like a handout of the glossary, scroll to the bottom. (15) The Intermediate and Final States. W

The ABC’s of Eschatology (Pt. 1): Key Words to understanding end times

Eschatology is a word that means the study (-ology) of last things (eschatos). And in that study there are lots of words that are familiar (*resurrection), unfamiliar (*preterist), and debated (*rapture). Likewise, terms like millennium and tribulation are ones that have multiple definitions, and figures like the *antichrist, whose common description may or may not match John’s use of the word. Knowing that sound doctrine and fruitful discussions require clear definitions,

Twelve Books to Read Before the End of the World

When I teach Systematic Theology to seminarians, I make students read two books on eschatology and I recommend about twenty. Since I recently began a Sunday School series on the subject of eschatology, I wanted to share that list with you. You can also listen to the classes here. The Two Most Important Books on Eschatology Benjamin Gladd and Matthew Harmon, Making All Things New: Inaugurated Eschatology for the Life of the Church (2016). This is my go-to book for eschatolog

Let the Reader Understand: Interpretation That Sanctifies (1 Corinthians 10:1–13)

Typology. Intertexuality. Biblical interpretation. Sanctification. Those are esoteric subjects for a nerdy few, right? Well, I don’t think so. At least, according to 1 Corinthians 10, we see how the Apostle Paul cites ten different events in Israel’s history, which he says were written down for the church, as a means of instruction and sanctification. In … Continue reading Let the Reader Understand: Interpretation That Sanctifies (1 Corinthians 10:1–13)

Israel and the Church: Continuity, Discontinuity, or Something of the Two?

In his influential study on intertextuality, Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul, Richard Hays argues the apostle Paul’s hermeneutic is “functionally ecclesiocentric rather than christocentric” (xiii). In a series of essays, he shows how the apostle applies Old Testament texts to the New Testament church, and in so doing he questions the commonly held … Continue reading Israel and the Church: Continuity, Discontinuity, or Something of the Two?

Beholding Christ at the Lord’s Table: Penal Substitution (Old Testament)

And can it be, that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? Died he for me, who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me! Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for … Continue reading Beholding Christ at the Lord’s Table: Penal Substitution (Old Testament)

Gospel-Centered Leadership: Using our Freedom in Christ to Serve Others and Discipline Ourselves (1 Corinthians 9:19–27)

This week, we returned to the book of 1 Corinthians. After two messages on discipleship, one on the goodness of gender, and another on marriage, we picked up the theme of gospel-centered leadership. In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul uses himself as a model for self-effacing ministry, and in verses 19–27 he shows the great lengths he is … Continue reading Gospel-Centered Leadership: Using our Freedom in Christ to Serve Others and Discipline Ourselves (1 Corinthians 9:19–27)

Hearing the Voice of God: Ten Axioms About God’s Authorship of Scripture

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” – Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Author is the beginning of literary understanding” – Kevin Vanhoozer[1] – This morning, I have the privilege of beginning a series of “studies” on hermeneutics and biblical interpretation among the men at my church. The title I’ve chosen … Continue reading Hearing the Voice of God: Ten Axioms About God’s Authorship of Scripture

Transgenderism: But One Fruit on Individualism’s Pernicious Vine

In recent days, the subject of gender and transgenderism have been the talk of our county and our church. Coming, therefore, at the perfect time is Vaughn Roberts little book Transgender. In preparation for my sermon on the subject I read his book with great profit. In less than 80 pages, Roberts, a British pastor who has himself … Continue reading Transgenderism: But One Fruit on Individualism’s Pernicious Vine

Established by Creation: Nine Reasons for Biblical Complementarity

In Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth (EFBT) Wayne Grudem is at his complementarian finest as he explains from Genesis why God created men and women equal yet distinct. While egalitarians argue the fall caused gender distinctions and that Christ’s redemption erased them (as explained in their reading of Galatians 3:28), Grudem shows how God created men and … Continue reading Established by Creation: Nine Reasons for Biblical Complementarity

The Good News About Gender: From Genesis 1:27 to Revelation 19:6–9

The Good News about Gender (Sermon Audio) Not a week goes by but what a new story emerges about sexual orientation, gender identity, or the implementation of some new SOGI policy. In our county, the Prince William County School Board will be voting on a proposed change to the school non-discrimination policy. With so much discussion … Continue reading The Good News About Gender: From Genesis 1:27 to Revelation 19:6–9

Discipling Every Nation (Matthew 28:18–20): Sermon Notes by Ben Purves

This morning Ben Purves, our pastor for student ministers, preached a thorough message on the Great Commission. He began by showing the biblical-theological links from Psalm 2 and 2 Chronicles 36 to Matthew 28, then moved to explain how the grammar of the passaged emphasizes the command to ‘disciple’ the nations, and finished with a practical exhortation … Continue reading Discipling Every Nation (Matthew 28:18–20): Sermon Notes by Ben Purves

Tell the Coming Generation (Psalm 78:1–8): Sermon Notes by Ben Purves

Today, Ben Purves our pastor for student ministries delivered a faithful word from Psalm 78:1-8. His message reminded us of the joyous responsibility we have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of God with the coming generation. His call to make disciples of the next generation also lays the groundwork for the upcoming … Continue reading Tell the Coming Generation (Psalm 78:1–8): Sermon Notes by Ben Purves

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